Encosta de Lago Colt Makes Big Splash

An Encosta de Lago colt brought the top price of Aus$2million (approximately $1,429,380 in U.S. funds) during the opening session of the Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions yearling sale on Australia’s Gold Coast January 7. Trainer Gai Waterhouse purchased the full brother to 2006 Australian champion Racing To Win from Coolmore Stud, agent.

Produced from the 13-year-old Kenny’s Best Pal mare Surrealist, the colt is also a half-brother to Australian group III winner Purrealist (by Tale of the Cat).

Coolmore Australia's general manager, Michael Kirwan, told the Racing Post that Coolmore would retain shares in the colt.

Two other yearlings sold for Aust$1 million ($714,690) or more. Waterhouse bought a Redoute’s Choice –Twist My Heart colt from Strawberry Hill Stud for Aust$1 million. Adrian Nicoll of BBA (Ireland) purchased a Redoute’s Choice – Twist My Heart colt for Aust$1.1 million ($786,154) from Yarraman Park Stud, agent. Nicoll has put together an international syndicate to own the yearling, which will be trained by David Hayes.

"I thought he was one of the nicest horses here and he's a magnificent individual", Nicoll said. "David loves him."

In all, 133 yearlings were sold for a grosws of Aust$19,971,000 ($14,273,074). The average price was Aust$150,158 ($107,316). All those figures were up from 2008, when the 84 yearlings that sold grossed Aust$12,375,000 and averaged Aust$147,321.

"It was a buyers’ sale today," said Magic Millions managing director David Chester. "We had a strong buying bench from Australia and overseas and they certainly got some great deals. Quality lots were the subject of good attention, but I did expect that to be the case. I would like to think the clearance rate of 75% could climb a little over the next few days."

Chester was pleased with the level of interest from shoppers, both regulars and newcomers.

"Gai Waterhouse was very strong today and she thought she got some good value as well,” he said. "It was also a delight to see Mr Teruya Yoshida, the owner of Shadai Farm and the leading owner in Japan, buying a filly today (a Redoute's Choice-Unearthly yearling for Aust$700,000). This is the first time he's ever attended a horse sale in Australia, and we're thrilled he chose to accept our invitation and come to the Gold Coast."
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